Tally of Debt by M. A. Gardner

Author:M. A. Gardner [Gardner, M. A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-03-19T00:00:00+00:00

AS PROMISED, the guest room bed was ready for…guests. The crisp white sheets were freshly laundered and smelled of fabric softener. Plump pillows adorned the headboard. Their inviting fluffiness promised a night of restful slumber, each pillow a soft sanctuary for weary heads.

A sense of thoughtfulness and care extended to the guest bath in the hall, where new toothbrushes, still in their packaging, awaited. Arranged like soldiers at attention, they stood ready for their duty while an array of assorted travel-sized toiletries formed a rainbow of colors and scents, each vying for attention like performers on a grand stage. Shampoo bottles and soap bars exuded a fresh, invigorating fragrance.

Caroline crossed the hall to the guest room, her footsteps echoing softly on the polished tile floor, a gentle percussion to the otherwise quiet house. While she was in the bathroom, someone laid out a pair of Tupper's sweatpants and a soft, well-worn t-shirt on the bed. The thoughtful gesture felt familiar, like a comforting hug from an old friend—probably Tiffany's doing. In his usual haste, Tupper would've tossed the clothing on the bed without a second thought, but Tiffany's caring touch was unmistakable.

Caroline changed into sleeping attire. She grinned when she saw herself in the mirror; the reflection showed a version of her that was not often seen. The clothes were not her style, but comfortable enough to sleep in for a night.

The guest bed welcomed her, and she settled into its inviting comfort, closing her eyes. The mattress provided the kind of solace and support that only a well-loved bed could. She was so tired after the long day. The sheets were cool against her skin.

Thoughts intruded before she could give in to sleep. It was good to see Roxanne again like a missing puzzle piece finally falling into place in a complex jigsaw. While she'd been hurt before, forgiveness might be possible. At least she agreed to the meeting, which was a big step in the right direction. Overall, the meeting was cordial, with smiles and nods that bridged the gap of years apart.

She couldn't help but think about something she had said to Tupper—it was curious how the academic and the visiting professor managed to connect at MSU, like two distant stars aligning in a celestial dance.

Life really could be strange at times. The serendipitous connections that brought people together in the most unexpected places were a testament to the unpredictability of life's journey, like a tapestry woven with threads of chance and choice, forming a pattern that revealed itself only with the fullness of time.

And moments like this made the idea of going on the run, leaving behind the people and places she cared about, even more painful. But for now, she allowed the fatigue to sweep her away into a deep and dreamless slumber.

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